Articles by Andrew G. Simpson

Simpson is a freelance writer and editor. He retired as Chief Content Officer for Wells Media Group in July, 2022 after 18 years with the company.

‘Problematic’ Cannabis Use Has Risen for Adults, Teens Since Legalization: Research

Problematic use of marijuana among adolescents and adults increased after legalization of recreational marijuana use, according to a new study from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Published online November 13 …

Program Manager Victor O. Schinnerer Rebrands as Victor US

Insurance program manager Victor O. Schinnerer and Co. has rebranded as Victor US. The announcement completes the larger global unification and rebranding of The Schinnerer Group to Victor Insurance Holdings that was begun in 2018. Last month, as part of …

FEMA Postpones Switch to New Risk-Based Flood Insurance Rating Until 2021

The federal government is delaying implementation of a major change to its pricing formula for federal flood insurance that bases rates on a more accurate assessment of the real flood threat for each home and reflects the cost of rebuilding …

Companies That Are Open About Cyber Risks Fare Better With Investors

Research finds that when one company experiences a cybersecurity breach, other companies in the same field also become less attractive to investors. However, companies that are open about their cybersecurity risk management fare significantly better than peers that don’t disclose …

Hiscox Names Karpp to Head Executive Risks and Cyber Practice in U.S.

Global specialty insurer Hiscox has appointed Doug Karpp as head of Executive Risks and Cyber in the U.S, which includes Crime and Fidelity, Financial Services and Management Liability insurance products. Karpp, who previously served as senior vice president and the …

Industry Applauds House Panel Backing of Terrorism Reinsurance Renewal

Insurance carriers and agents are applauding a House committee vote advancing a bipartisan measure to renew the federal terrorism reinsurance program. The House Financial Services Committee unanimously (57-0) passed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4634), which would …

How Specialty Carriers Approach Product Innovation: Research, Repeat and Reuse

“The industry really does look to specialty writers to be at the forefront of innovation,” says Gail McGiffin. Specialty insurance carriers have a unique “toolset” that helps them grow through innovation. This toolset includes their flexibility to write for both …

Insurance Agency BRP Group’s IPO Starts Today at $14 a Share

Independent insurance distribution firm BRP Group Inc. could raise as much as $300 million in its initial public offering (IPO) of 16.4 million shares of its Class A common stock priced to the public at $14 per share. The stock …

James River Insurance Retains Rating After Dropping Its Biggest Customer, Uber

Ratings agency A.M. Best said its ratings of James River Insurance remain unchanged after the insurer said it would be cancelling its business with ride-hailing giant Uber affiliate, Rasier, its largest client. A.M Best said the Financial Strength Rating of …

Walmart Balks at $5.2 Million Damages Claim for Disability Bias Against Employee

A jury last week found that Walmart violated federal law for failing to accommodate the disabilities of a longtime employee and awarded $5.2 million in damages. After a 3½-day trial, the jury sided with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) …